3-A-305. Coup de grace

Crewed by Lieutenant Commander Carlos "Francés" Lecour, the A-4Q 3-A-305 was the one that finally sank the frigate HMS (F-184) "Ardent" on May 21, 1982, in the waters of the San Carlos Strait.

Since midday, the "Ardent" had been attacked by two Pucará aircraft, an A-4B, and three Mirage M-V Daggers, all from the Argentine Air Force. These aircraft had damaged the aft hangar, destroyed its main helicopter, a Sea Lynx (XZ-244), and destroyed the Sea Cat missile launcher, although it was still capable of propulsion at full speed. Unaware of this situation, the Naval Aviation Command ordered an attack that afternoon. The squadron prepared with two sections of three aircraft each, piloted by the pilots of "Division 2". The sections were then formed as follows: 1st Section: Captain Philippi (3-A-307), Lieutenant Márquez (3-A-314), and Lieutenant Arca (3-A-312). 2nd Section: Lieutenant Rótolo (3-A-306), Lieutenant Lecour (3-A-305), and Lieutenant Silvester (3-A-301).

The frigate was bombarded by CC Philippi's section, suffering severe damage. However, Section 1 was later intercepted by Sea Harriers, which shot down the A-4s with the Sidewinders. Philippi and Arca ejected and were later rescued, but Márquez lost his life.

Lieutenant Rótolo's section navigated a nearly identical route to the first, which was 15 minutes ahead. However, upon reaching the southern mouth of the San Carlos Strait, they flew over the western coastal profile of Soledad Island and not over the waters of the Strait itself.

When the section began to fly over Ruiz Puente Bay, they saw a ship sailing in the center of the channel. They immediately turned left, initiating a bombardment run. At that moment, they saw another ship lying along the coast, ready to provide counter-aircraft support. They followed unfazed. The chosen "prey," a Type 21 frigate (the "Ardent"), increased speed and opened fire with its 4.5-inch gun. The bombs from 3-A-306 (Lieutenant Rótolo) bracketed the target, two aft and two forward. Those of number 2, Lecour (3-A-305) seemed to have the same luck, as observed by number 3, Lieutenant Sylvester, flying 3-A301. However, one of the bombs dropped by Lieutenant Lecour struck the stern, generating a powerful explosion that sent debris flying up to 60 meters in the air and sealed the ship's fate. It was the coup de grace for the "Ardent."